Anyone else using (semi)solid lube to lube their chain? I bough a small jar of Frog lube years ago but never tried it until a few weeks ago, and I have been very happy with the results. This method isn't producing results as good as the factory lube, but it is significantly better than deep cleaning and re-lubing with oils as it goes deep in the links, does not wash away easily and does not gunk up the drive train at all.

Here's my process:

1. remove chain, dunk in an eco-friendly degreaser. If you can, try to give it some good vibrations. I placed the vessel with the chain on an inverted orbital sander. 2. if still crunchy, I wash it in water, then hang and let dry, a heat gun helps with faster drying3. I take an old ceramic mug, added two spoons of the waxy lube, then heated it with a heat gun until mildly hot4. dunk the chain in the mug (it helps if you pre-heat the chain with a heat gun), shake well, make sure the liquefied lube covers it well and seeps into every crevice5. before it cools down, hang the chain so the extra lube drips back in the mug and let it cool down. When cooled, it is easy to remove the extra waxy lube without too much mess with a clean cloth. You can reuse the unspent lube in the next cleaning session.

I make my own solid lube. It's much better than any oil. Alone the fact that the drivetrain stays reasonably clean, makes everything run smoother and live longer.

Instead of a cup and a heat gun, I've upcycled an old rice cooker. I also dry the excess lube off while the chain is still hot. That makes for an even cleaner result, and has no negative impact on the lubrication.

Anyone else using (semi)solid lube to lube their chain? I bough a small jar of Frog lube years ago but never tried it until a few weeks ago, and I have been very happy with the results. This method isn't producing results as good as the factory lube, but it is significantly better than deep cleaning and re-lubing with oils as it goes deep in the links, does not wash away easily and does not gunk up the drive train at all.

Here's my process:

1. remove chain, dunk in an eco-friendly degreaser. If you can, try to give it some good vibrations. I placed the vessel with the chain on an inverted orbital sander. 2. if still crunchy, I wash it in water, then hang and let dry, a heat gun helps with faster drying3. I take an old ceramic mug, added two spoons of the waxy lube, then heated it with a heat gun until mildly hot4. dunk the chain in the mug (it helps if you pre-heat the chain with a heat gun), shake well, make sure the liquefied lube covers it well and seeps into every crevice5. before it cools down, hang the chain so the extra lube drips back in the mug and let it cool down. When cooled, it is easy to remove the extra waxy lube without too much mess with a clean cloth. You can reuse the unspent lube in the next cleaning session.

At how many miles does one generally experience a used that chain that needs so much attention?

IME, replacing the chain is a great way to simplify and to extend the life of the gear teeth it meshes with. Every one should have a few brand chains in their parts department.

At how many miles does one generally experience a used that chain that needs so much attention?

IME, replacing the chain is a great way to simplify and to extend the life of the gear teeth it meshes with. Every one should have a few brand chains in their parts department.

Not to take away from your method for recovery, though Sti.

I think this was a misunderstanding.The point of this type of lube and maintenance, is to make things work better and last longer. Not to revive a dead chain.

Like this you throw the chain in the wax pot every 300-500km, and have a fresh drive train in minutes. The grand point is that solid lube is rather nifty, especially in grubby conditions, as it repels the dirt instead of attracting it like oil does.

Yeah, what Magura said. Riding in conditions that alternate between wet, dry and dusty gets me a chain loaded with dirt, it becomes very crunchy. This method is IMO superior to cleaning it with a chain cleaner and lubing with usual liquid lubes, I get a couple of weeks of riding without having to touch it.

I have a *ahem.....cough* umber of bikes, and so does the Mrs. Life was never easier. It's been cutting the time I spend on maintenance by like 80% or so. In total, the household is running some 15 different bikes on regular basis. Not having to clean and lube every couple of weeks, but just having to take the chain off, dip it, put it back on, and the rest of the drivetrain remains clean......you do the math

I remember some roadies who used a cookie sheet in an oven. Put the chain on the sheet with the wax and heat it up together for better flow into the rollers. The cooker idea does that and you can do it outside so you don't piss-off the spouse.

Do they make unscented baby oil? That stuff makes me nauseous. Maybe sub citronella candles for the tea candles for insect repellent during stops?

I remember some roadies who used a cookie sheet in an oven. Put the chain on the sheet with the wax and heat it up together for better flow into the rollers. The cooker idea does that and you can do it outside so you don't piss-off the spouse.

Do they make unscented baby oil? That stuff makes me nauseous. Maybe sub citronella candles for the tea candles for insect repellent during stops?

The scent of baby oil goes away after it's been heated up a few times.For the unscented version, look for lamp oil.

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